Drawesome Challenge #34 - Toned paper

[amberdreams]

Blimey! First completed drawesome challenge for an AGE!

I combined this one with the Sky Portrait Artist of the Week, and tried to draw dancer Oti Mabusi. It's not quite right as a likeness, but I kind of like it all the same. I tried the technique of not sketching the features at all, but starting with all the lightest areas, and amazingly, the proportions actually worked. (Mostly)

Comments

[goss]

I tried the technique of not sketching the features at all, but starting with all the lightest areas, and amazingly, the proportions actually worked.

Ooh, that sounds like a great technique to try! This came out fabulously. :D

[amberdreams]

My friend is a professional artist and runs workshops, this was something she got us to attempt with soft pastels on coloured art board. With her directing, I did my fave portrait I've ever done (Tom Hiddleston) but it's really hard to do it - so counter intuitive!
But clearly I should try it more. 😂

[goss]

so counter intuitive

Haha, yes. I imagine it's like drawing with the wrong hand. *g* Now I'm intrigued to try it.

[amberdreams]

Honestly, I was so delighted with Tom, but my second two on the workshop day weren't quite so successful. It's definitely worth trying - I guess it's a kind of mapping process, following the light around the face.
This is my post about it from the day, if you're interested https://amberdreams.dreamwidth.org/786215.html

[goss]

Oh, very cool! The Tom one came out great! There's so much life to it. :D

And awww, I miss being in a proper art studio. *__*

[amberdreams]

Oh gawd yes, I really miss my sketchbooking and life drawing... maybe later in the year, hey.

[mekare]

Fingers crossed for the Building Steve studio!

[goss]

Yeah, I am hoping that the space will be properly secured in the next couple months, so that I can move my art stuff there. :)

[amberdreams]

I bet you can't wait!

[minoanmiss]

She's so gorgeous! I love how you've modeled her with shadows and light -- I recognize her skin, if that makes sense I am so delighted with this portrait, not least of a lady who looks a lot like I do.

[amberdreams]

Thank you!
She's beautiful (and I'm sure you are too!)

[mific]

Oh, that's really lovely! Love the depth you achieved, and the touches of pinky-red work really well. You captured her wide smile really naturally too, which is hard to do.

[amberdreams]

Thanks! Smiles are hard, so I'm happy you think I caught this one!

[mekare]

Such a lovely portrait! Congratulations on doing a drawesome challenge! I love how this one seems to have inspired all of us equally. So many entries!

Also, wow that technique sounds hard - but you pulled it off beautifully.